The Community Empowerment Action Plan, jointly developed with COSLA and colleagues in the third sector and announced in March 2009, encourages people in both rural and urban areas to participate in the running of their neighbourhoods.
The action plan provides clarity on what community empowerment is, why it is important and how communities can get involved.
A range of best practice examples from across Scotland are set out, providing information and inspiration for people who want to have a say in the decisions affecting their communities.
There is also information on the variety of grants that are accessible to community groups, providing potential investment of around £180 million from a range of government sources. Read the action plan.
The Scottish Government is keen to celebrate existing examples of community empowerment across the country and has published 12 case studies to highlight this.